DRWF Fundraising: London Marathon team raises £25,000
Our biggest team effort for London running event provides huge boost for charity fundraising.
This year’s London Marathon broke the world record for the biggest one-day fundraising event, with reports that more than £67 million was raised.
And the April event will also be added to the DRWF records as the year we had our biggest team of runners representing the charity.
Nine runners donned the red DRWF shirt this year and raised a whopping £25,254.50.
Among the runners, four in the DRWF Team are living with type 1 diabetes – James Nott, Chris Atkinson, Lyle Pentith and Jon Young.
Other team runners have diabetes close to their hearts, with either parents or close friends affected by the condition – Jodie Robinson, Jon Duckett, Cara Bingley, Marios Syrimis and Susan Barker.
In the run-up to the event runners received encouragement and mentorship from Katie Boots – who has a son living with type 1 diabetes and who ran her first London Marathon for DRWF in 2023.
James Nott
“DRWF is a charity that holds personal significance as I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June 2021. The news came as a significant and challenging surprise having always considered myself a fit (relatively) thirty-something-year-old!
I am grateful to be fundraising for a charity that works so hard to raise awareness of all types of diabetes, to provide information and support to promote good self-management and to enhance quality of life, and to ultimately help find a cure.”
Chris Atkinson
“In August 2022 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As someone who has always been active, I was worried when I was first diagnosed about how the condition may affect my ability to participate in sport. It took a while to figure things out as exercise impacts your blood sugar levels, and different activity can impact it in different ways, so there is a lot to think about.
“Despite this, I have learned over the past 16 months that type 1 diabetes doesn't need to hold you back from doing anything, and I have managed to get back into running and playing football. Exercise is actually a really important part of diabetes management, which amongst other things helps to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning you have to take less when you exercise.
“I wanted to take on this challenge to show that type 1 diabetes does not need to hold you back from doing anything, both for myself but also for anyone who is newly diagnosed and thinks it will prevent them from doing things.
“Secondly, I want to raise money for the fantastic charity, DRWF, who do so much to raise awareness about the condition and are also fighting to find a cure. They were a great source of information for me when I was first diagnosed, and I want to give something back. DRWF are currently seeking to raise funds for a ‘Pump Priming Research Award’ to support bright young researchers, as well as established institutions.
“The final reason is to run the marathon in honour of my dad, who had type 1 diabetes.”
Lyle Pentith
“My journey with diabetes inspired me to join the marathon team and raise funds for DRWF. Since my diagnosis in 2018, I've been enthused by efforts to advance care and find a cure for this condition. What drives me even more is the stigma associated with diabetes, fuelled by a lack of understanding and misconceptions in society. I've encountered ignorance and negativity, which only emphasise the urgent need for education and increased awareness.
“Whilst aiming to achieve a great time, I also want to challenge this stigma in the process. I believe that with increased understanding, we can change perceptions and support others affected by diabetes.”
Jon Young
“I want to raise as much money as I can to aid research into a long-term solution for people with diabetes. In 2007 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This came as a huge shock, as there was no family history at all. I was just unlucky!
“Whilst lying in my hospital bed I decided that I would not allow this to change my life in a negative way. From the moment I left the hospital I continued with my 'normal' life, making sure my body was controlled and I was able to take part in all the normal things I loved to do.
“This, of course, has not been without its challenges but I have continued to enjoy sport, exercise and all the wonderful things that everyday life has to offer.
“Running the 2024 London Marathon was the biggest physical challenge of my life.”
Jodie Robinson
“I ran the London Marathon to support an amazing charity who provide support and guidance to people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes and to help with further research to help find a cure for this chronic disease.”
Jonathan Duckett
“I am raising money for DRWF because many people suffer at different stages of life through the effects of diabetes. My parents have been affected significantly by the effects of diabetes and suffered from the long-term knock-on effects.”
Cara Bingley
“I ran the 26.2 miles for my dad who has type 1 diabetes and for the other 4.9 million people who are currently diagnosed with diabetes in the UK to better understand the causes, prevention, and treatment for diabetes.
“The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Anybody can develop the condition at any age and there is currently no cure, which is why DRWF is so important.”
Marios Syrimis
Susan Barker
“I ran for DRWF as it has affected my husband’s family and friends. I hoped to raise awareness and cash for this condition that affects so many. I started my training for this marathon by doing couch to 5k and a park run.”
Tim Green, Head of Community Fundraising at DRWF, said: “Running in the London Marathon is often considered the pinnacle of any runner’s journey. I am so proud to have watched all our runners grow throughout their weeks of training and facilitate the dream of crossing the line in London.
“Their determination to balance work, family life, rigorous training in all weathers and let’s not forget some of our amazing runners were managing diabetes control too. I am in absolute awe of them all – they have shown that the impossible, is possible and inspired many to follow them in helping us find a cure.”
The money raised for DRWF was part of a total £67 million raised by more than 53,000 people who took part in the 26.2-mile race (42.2km) through the capital.
Official online fundraising partner for the event Enthuse said: "What an incredible event and a brilliant day with such a huge amount raised for good causes."
Chester Mojay-Sinclare, founder and chief executive of Enthuse, added: “It's such a special day for the sector and we're delighted for all the charities that will benefit from the public's generosity.”
More than £40 million was donated via JustGiving with donations via Enthuse surpassing £27million.
Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon said: “That is a wonderful achievement and huge thanks to every single person involved.”
Find out more about DRWF Fundraising here
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